Author: Edwards, Karethy (Kay)
Date published: July 1, 2011
With the global impact of media and worldwide travel, the twenty-first century is characterized by a growing awareness of the diversity among human populations. In this issue of the Journal of Cultural Diversity, five articles advance and contribute to the research on cultural diversity and the application of cultural competency to healthcare.
Buscemi presents a cutting edge article entitled Acculturation: State of the Science in Nursing. Acculturation is an important concept in organizing knowledge structures around the larger issue of cultural diversity and cultural competency. The author explores the historic evolution of acculturation and its relationship to health care.
The measurement of diversity in human populations represents a critical component in elucidating research related to diversity. In their article, Methodology for Measuring Diversity in Human Populations, Summers, Jackson, Woodward, Jones, and Dryer provide a plan for formulating a diversity database, defining a diversity profile, measuring diversity, and practical application of their proposed methodology.
It is widely known that the media plays a significant role in shaping attitudes about diverse populations. In the article, Media, Cultural Diversity and GIobalization: Challenges and Opportunities, Zayani explores the socio-historical evolution of cultural difference, and the role of the media in promoting or hindering cultural diversity.
In the fourth article, Ender, Adams, Horton, Hobbs, McLaurin and Prasnikar present strategies for Moving Towards a Culture of Inquiry. Finally, Mancusco presents an article entitled, Overcoming Health Literacy Barriers: A Model for Action. This timely article provides a model program to address the health literacy needs of a select population.
Author affiliation:
KARETHY (KAY) EDWARDS, DRPH, FNP, BC
Author affiliation:
Karethy (Kay) Edwards, DrPH, FNP, BC, is a professor in the College of Nursing and director of the Center for Cultural Competency & Healthcare Excellence at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City, OK 73013. Dr. Edwards may be reached at: kay-edwards@ouhsc.edu.